FG Pushes Integrated Transport System to Cut Logistics Costs, Attract Investment

ABUJA — The Federal Government has called for the development of an integrated transport system linking road, rail, air and waterways to attract investment, reduce logistics costs and ease pressure on the nation’s roads.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Abel Enitan, made the call in Abuja at the 19th Council of the National Council on Transportation, themed, “Developing Effective Transport System for Nigeria: The Role of Integrated Transportation.”

Enitan, who was represented by Dr Ishaku Musa, described transportation as the lifeblood of the modern economy, stressing that an efficient transport network was critical to connecting communities, facilitating the movement of goods and services, expanding market access and supporting trade and investment.

According to him, an integrated and modern transport architecture would improve mobility, lower logistics costs, strengthen the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses and promote economic growth.

He said, “Modern transport architecture will not only enhance mobility, but also reduce logistics costs, improve competitiveness of Nigerian businesses, strengthen domestic and international trade, attract investment, and promote opportunities across every sector of the economy.”

The Head of Service also emphasised the need for Nigeria to develop sustainable, climate-resilient and technology-enabled transport systems capable of responding to changing economic and population needs.

He further identified professional manpower and strong institutions as essential to effective planning, regulation, coordination and management of the increasingly complex transport sector.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funso Adebiyi, said Nigeria’s heavy dependence on road transportation had placed significant pressure on the country’s road infrastructure.

Adebiyi stated that about 98 per cent of Nigerians depend on road transport, adding that even air passengers rely on roads to access airports.

He explained that the heavy use of roads by passengers, motorists and cargo operators had subjected road pavements to excessive stress and accelerated their deterioration.

“Our road pavements are subjected to extensive stress. The loads our roads carry are mostly beyond their design capacity,” he said.

Adebiyi said the government was pursuing rail development and other transport alternatives to reduce traffic on roads, improve safety and ease the burden on existing infrastructure.

He noted that properly connecting the various modes of transportation would help reduce road accidents and give Nigerians greater flexibility in choosing their preferred means of travel.

He said the government was working towards a transport network where road, rail and water transportation would be interconnected.

Adebiyi also disclosed plans to establish six standardised bus terminals across the country.

According to him, the terminals will operate under minimum standards and provide facilities including waiting rooms, information screens, police posts and mechanic booths where vehicles can be inspected before departure.

The government said the integrated approach was expected to improve the efficiency of the transport sector, reduce pressure on roads and create a more investment-friendly environment for businesses and industries.